This is a GREAT question Dr.Bardawil is often asked. And an important one. Teeth do not know what is pushing on them. Teeth to move need 3 Factors 1. Force 2.Time 3. Space . Teeth simply respond to constant pressure over a period of time. So Invisalign aligners (clear plastic trays that are worn) have the same effect wires and braces have on teeth. If someone tells you otherwise, simply untrue. At Our Office in Fanar and Hamra , we treat spaced teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites (where the front teeth do not touch), and even surgical cases! And I will be posting these treated cases on my blog and on our Facebook fan page over the coming years.Some of the finished case are already posted on our webstite . You will see for yourself that just because someone who is not comfortable treating with Invisalign says that can not be done with Invisalign, does not mean it can not be done. Experience matters!

The Most Advanced Technology

Like fingerprints, your smile is unique. And so is Insignia, a computerized system that combines digital treatment planning with specially made brackets and wires tailored to your specific dental anatomy.
The process is simple. Following an initial examination, your orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth for the Insignia smile design lab. Sophisticated imaging software then creates a 3-D representation of your bite while braces and wires are custom-fabricated with your exact prescription.

Fast, Comfortable Treatment

Insignia treatment is tailored to the individual patient. Each aspect is precisely calculated to affect tooth movement in the most optimal way, resulting in fewer office visits and exceptional comfort. And because treatment is 100% personalized, patients often see a reduction in the amount of time they would ordinarily wear braces.
Insignia is ideal for everyone – from the adult with the hectic schedule to the teen who wants to be out of braces and on with their smile.

Precise, Predictable Results

Now you can see your end result before starting treatment. Utilizing the 3-D representation of your exact tooth positioning, Insignia calculates the most optimal orthodontic plan for you. You're able to view, with precision accuracy, the correct curvature and width of the best smile specifically proportioned to your facial features. Unlike off-the-shelf braces and wires, a treatment plan developed with Insignia creates a layer of meticulous detail that provides fast, accurate and predictable results.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly, or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you may be one of more than twelve million Americans affected by sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. ("Apnea" is the Greek word for "without breath.") If you suffer from sleep apnea, each time your breathing stops, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Because the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don't remember it - and many think they are getting a good night's sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep cycle precludes the deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.

Insomnia or difficulty sleeping

Loud snoring at night

Waking up at night short of breath

Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)

Headaches upon waking in the morning

Falling asleep unintentionally during the day

Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

What are risk factors for sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40 and up) than younger adults and children. However, anyone – regardless of gender or age – can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, high blood pressure, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when operating cars or other heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery: sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, alert any doctors who prescribe medication or advise surgery.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatments range widely and depend on the severity of the problem and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral - for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs. Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.Give us a call , and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a "sleep study" to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Interproximal reduction is the removal of a small amount of enamel from between the teeth to reduce their width. It’s a way to acquire additional space between adjacent teeth to create ideal tooth alignment during orthodontic treatment. Interproximal reduction (IPR) is also known as reproximation, slenderizing, stripping, enamel reduction or selective reduction.
Some patients can be put off by the the idea of having to have their teeth slightly reshaped during orthodontic treatment to achieve ideal results. But, there are many benefits to IPR.
I mentioned that IPR is a way of creating space to improve tooth alignment, but it is also used to improve the bite. I often use IPR to improve the appearance of the teeth for a better aesthetic appearance. In certain cases, it alleviates the need for permanent tooth extractions, and many times, IPR can increase the stability of the teeth so that they are able to retain their placement over time. Further, it can also reduce what we call black triangles. Black triangles are created when there is an absence of gum tissue between two teeth and it looks like there is a dark triangular space or hole between the teeth, even though the teeth may be properly aligned.
To execute interproximal reduction, I typically use either a diamond strip (looks like a slate strip or nail filing strip) and move it in between the teeth, or I’ll use a dental handpiece that looks like a small dremel. IPR is not uncomfortable or painful for the patient in any way, but the sound of the file can cause some unease. It will not lead to and increase in tooth decay or gum disease. The important thing to remember is that IPR is a very safe and effective way of achieving ideal tooth alignment.